This course follows the narrative of the history of the United States from before Europeans arrived in the Western Hemisphere to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Topics covered include the establishment of European colonies, the emergence of a distinctive society and culture in the British colonies, the early years of the United States of America, the rise of political parties, the initial phase of industrialism, and the events that culminated in the Civil War.
View a detailed course description of HIS 315K.
This course is independent study and is self-paced. Students have five months upon registration in which to complete all coursework. Exams must be taken in a proctored location, with arrangements to be made by the student. Exam proctoring fees vary by site and are not included in the course fee.
Graded Assessments and Learning Modules
6 learning modules
14 assignments
2 exams (taken at approved testing site)

In this course students survey significant texts in the American literary and cultural tradition from the Colonial period through the Civil War. This course is historical in its conception and, therefore, emphasizes an historical approach to the material. This approach - designed to cultivate historically-committed interpretation - regards writers as producers of time and place-specific cultural work and treats their texts as enactments of that work.
View a detailed course description of E 337.
This course is independent study and is self-paced. Students have five months upon registration in which to complete all coursework. Exams must be taken in a proctored location, with arrangements to be made by the student. Exam proctoring fees vary by site and are not included in the course fee.
Graded Assessments and Learning Modules
3 learning modules
6 essay assignments
2 exams (taken at approved testing site)
Textbook(s) and Materials
McMichael, G. & Leonard, J.S. (2011). Anthology of American Literature, Vol. 1 (10th ed.). Boston: Longman. ISBN 9780321916815
Foster, H.W. (1987). The Coquette. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195042399
Melville, H. Benito Cereno, any edition.